1976 Bristol 412 vs. 1948 Bristol 400
To start off, 1976 Bristol 412 is newer by 28 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1948 Bristol 400. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1948 Bristol 400 would be higher. At 6,555 cc (8 cylinders), 1976 Bristol 412 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1976 Bristol 412 (208 HP @ 4400 RPM) has 129 more horse power than 1948 Bristol 400. (79 HP @ 4200 RPM). In normal driving conditions, 1976 Bristol 412 should accelerate faster than 1948 Bristol 400. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1976 Bristol 412 weights approximately 540 kg more than 1948 Bristol 400. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Both vehicles are rear wheel drive (RWD) - it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, both vehicles do the job better than front wheel drive vehicles. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1976 Bristol 412 (422 Nm @ 2400 RPM) has 297 more torque (in Nm) than 1948 Bristol 400. (125 Nm @ 3000 RPM). This means 1976 Bristol 412 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1948 Bristol 400. 1976 Bristol 412 has automatic transmission and 1948 Bristol 400 has manual transmission. 1948 Bristol 400 will offer better control over acceleration and deceleration in addition to better fuel efficiency overall. 1976 Bristol 412 will be easier to drive especially in heavy traffic.
Compare all specifications:
| 1976 Bristol 412 | 1948 Bristol 400 | |
| Make | Bristol | Bristol |
| Model | 412 | 400 |
| Year Released | 1976 | 1948 |
| Engine Position | Front | Front |
| Engine Size | 6555 cc | 1970 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 8 cylinders | 6 cylinders |
| Engine Type | V | in-line |
| Horse Power | 208 HP | 79 HP |
| Engine RPM | 4400 RPM | 4200 RPM |
| Torque | 422 Nm | 125 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 2400 RPM | 3000 RPM |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Rear | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Automatic | Manual |
| Number of Seats | 4 seats | 5 seats |
| Number of Doors | 2 doors | 2 doors |
| Vehicle Weight | 1710 kg | 1170 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4950 mm | 4650 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1770 mm | 1630 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1440 mm | 1510 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2910 mm | 2900 mm |
